Backpacking Boots Vs. Hiking Boots

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A good pair of hiking boots or hiking shoes is an investment that can pay dividends for years, making hiking both on and off trail a much more enjoyable experience. Hiking boots have evolved greatly since the late 1960s, when they were basically slightly lighter versions of alpine mountaineering boots and quite heavy. Hikers now can choose between lightweight shoes, lightweight boots and heavier all-around boots, depending on their planned activity. The only real difference is that backpacking boots are heavier and sturdier. They are usually an all-leather design, so that they offer more support when carrying heavy loads for multi-day outings.

Lightweight Footwear

Lightweight footwear for hiking can basically be divided into trail shoes, which are low-cut shoes that have a stiffer sole than sneakers to cushion the foot more, and fabric/leather combination boots that offer more support. If you will just be doing day hikes with a light pack, low-cut trail shoes are fine. If you plan to do any overnight backpacking, a pair of fabric/leather boots is best, as it offers more support. When considering these types of boots, look for ones with Gore-Tex. While leather can be treated with waterproof materials, fabric cannot, so a Gore-Tex inner is the only way a fabric/leather boot can be made waterproof.

Leather Boots

Leather boots are more supportive, stiffer, warmer and more durable than fabric/leather combination boots. Leather can be treated with products like Nikwax to make it water-repellent as well. All-leather boots are the best choice for multi-day backpacking trips, unless said trips will be in extremely hot environments, in which case a fabric/leather combination boot, which is cooler, might be a better choice.

Other Considerations

Other considerations for deciding between backpacking and hiking boots can come from the construction of the boot and the sole, and the shank inside the boot. Shanks stiffen the sole and can be full- or half-length and made of steel or plastic. Steel shanks are more supportive, and also stiffer. The shank, combined with the type of sole, can make a boot crampon-compatible. For people backpacking in the Cascades or Rocky Mountains who might want to climb peaks in those regions involving travel over snow, a crampon-compatible backpacking boot is a must.

Break-in

All leather boots require much more break-in time, so if you are buying a pair for an extended trip, make sure you buy them well in advance so you have time to break the boots in. Wearing a new pair of boots on a long day of extended backpacking is a recipe for blisters.

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About the Author

Candace Horgan has worked as a freelance journalist for more than 12 years. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including the "Denver Post" and "Mix." Horgan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and history.

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